Glen Powell needed Stephen King’s approval to star in ‘Running Man’

Before Glen Powell could officially sign on to star in Edgar Wright’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel Running Man, he had to get approval from the legendary author himself.

Powell revealed at New York Comic Con (Cross people) that Wright offered him the lead role of Ben Richards on the condition that King give him his blessing. “Edgar offered me this film, and I said, ‘Yes.’” I say, “Let’s go…” And then, later that night [Edgar says]“You should have Stephen King’s approval, by the way.” Powell remembers that he’s going to watch Hit Man tonight.

“So I had to wait all night for Stephen King to watch Hit Man, and hopefully I’ll still be playing the role in the morning. It’s terrible.” Fortunately, King “loved” Hit Man, Powell’s 2023 crime romantic comedy directed by Richard Linklater, and agreed that he could take on the role.

In The Running Man, Powell plays Ben, a working-class man desperately trying to help his sick daughter who decides to compete on a TV show where “contestants, known as Runners, must survive 30 days while being hunted by hitmen, with every move broadcast to a bloodthirsty public and every day bringing a bigger cash reward,” according to the film’s synopsis. King’s original 1982 novel was first adapted for the big screen in 1987 starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, but Wright said in New York City that his film was “more faithful to the book” while incorporating 21st century elements.

“The coolest part about this [film] What I’m really excited about is that Edgar decided to take this on [story] “ — loyal to the book — in the real world,” Powell added. “Citizens can sign up [and] report to you. They can get you out. So, there’s this kind of constant feeling of tension that exists throughout the entire movie. It’s relentless.

“The Running Man” hits theaters November 14 via Paramount Pictures.